Just Checking In

[RMM]

Hey guys, it's been a while since I've been around here.  Been super busy with school and starting a new business to keep my student loan debt down to a minimum while allowing my wife to stay at home with our son.  I'll be done with finals here in a few weeks and hopefully over the break I can continue some 10mm development and catch back up on some of the things that have been going on around here.  I saw a kB thread and some cool green coated bullets!   About all I've had time to read.

Keep up the good work you guys!  I'll be back soon enough.

P.S. If anyone's interested, my new website is http://www.mtnelectronics.com - I sell flashlights, parts, and batteries.  I know it's not really gun related, but it's something our family can do to make a living while going to school and having a family.  Been spending more time with a soldering iron than on the reloading press lately... that's pretty sad!  :'(

[sqlbullet]

Thanks for checking in.  Nothing wrong with running a soldering iron.  I have spent many enjoyable hours behind one, working on electric guitars mostly.

[DAVIDF]

RMM, the flashlights, batteries, etc., are definitely gun related! I'm happy you let us know about your website. A lot of us need batteries for our weapon mounted lights or for a hand held if we choose to go that way.

I eventually want to construct or purchase a solar powered system for charging NiMH and/or lithium batteries. We've lost power here from hurricanes in the past & in some neighborhoods the power was out for a week or two. Any help you can provide with that?

Also, I want to run rechargeables in my Streamlight TLR-1. However, Streamlight recommends against the use of rerechargeables, but I use them in every lithium light I have. Any recommendations for good rechargeable 123's & a charger?

[RMM]

RMM, the flashlights, batteries, etc., are definitely gun related! I'm happy you let us know about your website. A lot of us need batteries for our weapon mounted lights or for a hand held if we choose to go that way.

I eventually want to construct or purchase a solar powered system for charging NiMH and/or lithium batteries. We've lost power here from hurricanes in the past & in some neighborhoods the power was out for a week or two. Any help you can provide with that?

Also, I want to run rechargeables in my Streamlight TLR-1. However, Streamlight recommends against the use of rerechargeables, but I use them in every lithium light I have. Any recommendations for good rechargeable 123's & a charger?

I don't currently have anything solar-power related, although I have looked at a few different solutions, all of which use 18650 lithium ion cells as a power bank that is charged from the solar cells.  Cottonpicker on candlepowerforums sells some good set ups but they are pretty expensive, in my opinion.  You could build your own using a DIY solar panel, a buck converter, and a 4x18650 power bank.

The issue with using an RCR123 (16340) in some lights built for the CR123 is that you are essentially overdriving the LED.  The typical 16340 comes in at 4.2V fully charged whereas most primary CR123 start at around 3.2V. 

There are both protected and unprotected 16340 cells, the protection circuits helps guard against discharging the cell too far but it makes the cell longer. 

IMR chemistry lithium ions are also 4.2V but can handle higher discharge rates and a bit more abuse than regular LiCo lithium ions.  The price you pay is about a 15% hit in capacity. 

Another alternative are LiFePo cells, which start out at 3.6V and are much closer to a regular CR123 in voltage.  However, you give up capacity when going to LiFePo vs either IMR or LiCo.

Bottom line is this: no matter what cell type you end up with, please do not use no-name Chinese (****fire) batteries or cheap chargers!  They are poor performers and have in some situations proven to be quite dangerous.

For a medium-sized handheld, long arm mounted light, check out the XinTD V4 on the website.  It is by far the best value I've seen, and right now I have too many lights to count.  It is as bright or brighter than anything else in it's class and has a nice fit and finish.

[DAVIDF]

Thanks RMM. I saw the XinTD V4 on your website briefly. I'll take a closer look. I need at least one more hand held. I'll stick to the CR123's for my Streamlight.

[RMM]

Cool.  If you have any questions, just let me know.  I have a couple of guys running them on their rifles that are pretty happy with them, I know that I've been happy with mine.
Super bright and you can choose what modes you would like.

[RMM]

mrgunsngear got his hands on a few of my lights... 

Haven't had time to reload a single round for the past two months!  :'( 
Gonna get back at it soon, school and the new business has been taking up all of my spare time.